Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of American Samoa and Micronesia
opportunistic monitoring in the northern islands. Data from these surveys will be important
in assessing changes in these sites over time. The CNMI should improve cooperation
between individual agencies that collect and analyse monitoring data. Monitoring
programmes should start with a plan that identifies the objectives and establishes a
repeatable protocol for data collection, storage and analysis. Additional funding is needed
to address the budget gaps of specific agencies, but more specifically to address priority
needs identified by the interagency marine monitoring group. Basic training in data
collection, data analysis and quality control should be developed with specialised training
in identification of marine flora and fauna. This additional training would greatly improve
the quality of the data being collected and would empower local staff in the protection of
reef resources. In the long run, funding for enforcement remains the most critical need.
While there are regulations and measures to protect coral reefs, the CNMI is unable to
enforce these provisions, thus protection exists only on paper.
FSM
The reefs are in relatively good condition, however, land-use practices on the high islands
are causing concern. Development projects and agriculture have already been responsible
for reef damage, and this is expected to increase in magnitude and effect. Thus, integrated
watershed management programmes need to be developed. Reef fisheries on some
islands have been over-exploited, therefore improved coordination of management
activities among the states is recommended. Community education and stakeholder
involvement programmes need to be expanded. Ship groundings need to be addressed at
the state and national level, with consideration for having vessels post bonds. Additional
support for the resource agencies is necessary if they are to meet their mandates.
Guam
In general, the condition of the coastal reefs continues to decline, primarily as a result of
land based activities. Data on coral recruitment indicate significant reductions over the past
2 decades. Many areas impacted by natural disturbances, including typhoons, crown-ofthorns
starfish outbreaks and earthquakes are not recovering. Community education
initiatives are increasing awareness, and the political will to address reef decline is
improving, however far more is needed. Over-fishing is still a concern, however the
establishment of 5 Marine Reserves which formally received enforcement protection in
June, 2000, is a positive step forward. Enforcement of existing laws and environmental
regulations is still a major problem on Guam. More improvements in infrastructure and
erosion control programmes are needed to reduce the land-based stressors on coastal reefs.
Palau
Before the 1998 bleaching event in Palau, the remote reefs were generally healthy and in
good condition. The reefs closer to population centres or near development are less
healthy with distinct signs of degradation. After the bleaching event, most reefs in Palau
were severely affected. Crown-of-thorns starfish are also a problem and in many areas they
are targeting the few remaining Acropora that survived the bleaching. The fish populations
around the main islands of Palau show signs of over-fishing compared to the Southwest
Islands, where there are fewer fishing pressures. Highly desired species of fish are present
in low numbers or absent around the main islands of Palau.
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